Spreading the Word of Religious Tolerance

At the community centre on October 4, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ) community were here to spread the word of religious tolerance.

The group has been on the road travelling throughout northern B.C. and the Northwest Territories since September 22 introducing the true version of Islam in an attempt the remove any misunderstanding. Rizwan Peerzada is the President of the AMJ. He says, “Believers are sensitive in any religion, not only Islam. We believe the founders must be respected and should not be mocked. That is not a freedom of speech. Any Muslim who does wrong, it falls under a hate crime and they punish them by sending them to jail. This doesn’t benefit anyone.

“We want to present the true Islam,” he continues, “We are happy to live in Canada and want to show our loyalty to Canada. Also at the same time, show our good faith we have. We are role models and people of the true faith. Religion teaches peace. True religions are here to teach peace. We are all from the father of Abraham, we have the same roots.”

There were about 50 people who showed up for the exhibition to browse, ask questions take books and flyers to learn about the Qur’an. The group is working their way back to Surry having already visited Smithers, Whitehorse and Dawson City.

Regional President Mohammad Aslam Shad says, “We invite the religious leaders in the area and give them one topic to discuss in the light of their philosophical and religious traditions without casting expression on other religions. The objective is religious tolerance and religious understanding of all religions. This is point that will unite mankind.” He continues, “We cannot be united on politics but as far as religion is concerned it is the basic point that can provide unity because the origin of all religion is of one authority. That is God. That is the unity. According to the latest survey about 96 percent believe in God and who believe in God, believe in faith. It is how you can make peace in the world. We want to create an environment, invite people and promoting peace, harmony and religious tolerance. This is the message we are spreading.”